Elastic Laces

Elastic laces, also called speed laces or lock laces, replace your ordinary shoelaces so that you put on and take off your running shoes without tying. You set the tension once to the right fit, click or slide the locking system closed and you are ready to go. For triathletes that delivers immediate time savings in the transition zone: no fumbling with laces while the clock is ticking. For runners and daily use it means comfort without knotting and never a loose lace during training again.

Elastic laces fit virtually all running shoes and are threaded through the existing eyelets. They are available in different colours and lengths. The most important selection criteria are whether you choose a model with or without a locking system and the right length for your shoe.

Which elastic laces suit you?

The choice depends on the use: triathlon transition zone, regular running or daily convenience. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You want to save time in the transition zone at a triathlon: Choose elastic laces with a locking system. You place the laces in your running shoes beforehand and set the tension. On race day you slide your shoes on and click the lock closed in one movement. That is faster than tying and eliminates the risk of a loose lace that bothers you later or needs to be retied.

You run regularly and never want a loose lace during training again: Elastic laces with a locking system always stay firmly closed, even in wet conditions or with hard effort. Once set to the right tension you only need to click them closed and open at each training, without tying.

You want elastic laces that mimic ordinary laces as closely as possible: Choose a model without a separate locking system. These laces are fully elastic and are threaded just like ordinary laces, but you can put the shoe on and take it off without tying thanks to the stretch. Slightly tighter in fit than a model with a closure, but also subtler in appearance.

You want to be able to get in and out of your shoes easily, also outside sport: Elastic laces are also a handy choice for people with limited mobility, difficulty bending or who simply do not want to tie laces. They work on sneakers and running shoes and are also a popular choice for children learning to manage laces.

What to look for when purchasing?

With or without locking system

Elastic laces are available with and without a locking clip. A model with a locking system has a small clip or button that you click closed after putting on the shoe so that the lace stays under tension. That is the most used variant for triathlon and running: faster on and off and no chance of the lace coming loose. A model without a clip is simpler in construction and looks more like an ordinary lace, but offers slower entry.

Length

Elastic laces are available in different lengths matched to the number of eyelets of your shoe. A shoe with seven holes per side needs a different lace length than a shoe with five. Check how many holes your running shoe has and compare that with the product description. Laces that are too long give too much excess; laces that are too short do not go through all the holes.

Thickness and material

The thickness of elastic laces partly determines how well they slide through the eyelets and how they feel in the shoe. Thinner laces are easier to thread and less noticeable; thicker laces sometimes sit more firmly and are easier to grasp when closing the clip. Choose a thickness that fits the eyelets of your specific shoe.

Mounting

Elastic laces are mounted once by threading them through the existing eyelets of your shoe. Then set the tension so that the shoe fits well without constricting. With a model with a locking system you cut off the excess lace end after setting the tension. The mounting takes five to ten minutes per shoe the first time; after that it clicks on and off in seconds each time.

Our advice: Always mount elastic laces the day before your competition, not on the morning itself. That way you can calmly adjust the tension, cut off any excess end and test the mounting by putting the shoe on and off a few times. On race day you want to be certain the tension is right.

Elastic laces or ordinary laces?

Ordinary laces offer a tight and adjustable feel and are preferred by many runners for competitions where a perfect fit is everything. The disadvantage is well known: they need to be tied, can come loose and cost time at every transition.

Elastic laces with a locking system solve that: set once to the right tension and then just step in and close the clip. The fit is consistent at every training without adjustment. For triathletes who count every second in the transition zone the time saving compared to tying is immediately noticeable. For daily running they are simply more comfortable in use.

Who are elastic laces suitable for?

• Triathletes who want to put on their running shoes quickly at T2 without tying and want to save precious transition zone time.
• Runners who never want a loose lace during training or competition and like fast on and off.
• Athletes who want to convert their running shoes to a slip-on system without buying new shoes.
• People with limited mobility or children who find convenience in putting on shoes important.

Elastic laces are less suitable if you use a very specific lace tension for an injury or insole where you want to vary the tension precisely per eyelet. In that case ordinary laces give more control over the exact fit of the shoe around specific foot points.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy elastic laces but are not sure which model suits your shoes and use best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about elastic laces

How do I mount elastic laces in my running shoes?

First remove the original laces from your shoe. Thread the elastic laces through the eyelets in the same way as your ordinary laces were. With a model with a locking system, slide the locking clip onto the laces, put on the shoe and set the tension by sliding the clip upwards until the shoe fits well. Cut off the excess end afterwards and the clip stays in place. Repeat for the other shoe. The first mounting takes five to ten minutes; after that it is just stepping in and closing the clip each time.

Do elastic laces fit all running shoes?

Elastic laces fit virtually all running shoes with standard eyelets. Before buying, check how many holes your shoe has per side and choose the corresponding lace length. Most brands indicate in their product description for how many holes the laces are suitable. Shoes with a very wide or narrow eyelet may need a specific size or thickness.

How much time do I save in the transition zone with elastic laces?

That differs per person and situation, but the difference between putting on a shoe and tying versus stepping in and closing one clip is easily five to ten seconds per shoe. At a triathlon with two shoes that already saves around twenty seconds in T2. For beginners who need more time with tying the advantage can be even greater. Small time saving, but in a competition every second counts.

Do elastic laces stay in place during running?

Yes, provided you have set the tension correctly. After the one-time setting the tension remains consistent at every training. The elastic gives with the movement of your foot but keeps the shoe firmly in place. With a model with a locking system the clip locks the tension additionally, which eliminates the chance of coming loose during effort.

Are elastic laces also suitable for children?

Yes, elastic laces are also popular with children and for children's shoes. They make putting on and taking off shoes easier for children who are still learning or have difficulty tying. Check the lace length based on the number of holes of the children's shoe; children's shoes generally have fewer holes and need a shorter lace length than running shoes for adults.